Kennedy Backs Measles Vaccine in House Testimony/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers Wednesday he would “probably” vaccinate his child against measles if he had one today. The statement marks a notable softening from his long-standing history of vaccine skepticism. Kennedy added that his role is not to give personal medical advice but to provide balanced information through his department.
Vaccine Testimony Quick Looks
- RFK Jr. says he’d “probably” vaccinate for measles
- Claimed his personal views are “irrelevant” to policy
- Stated CDC will offer pros and cons, not mandates
- Avoided direct answers on polio and chickenpox shots
- Cited European policies that forgo the chickenpox vaccine
- Insisted his role is not to give health advice
- Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine comments under fresh scrutiny
- CDC tasked with exploring alternative measles treatments
- Kennedy says CDC should consider “vitamins and drugs”
- Experts warn RFK Jr.’s approach may threaten public health
Deep Look: RFK Jr. Softens Vaccine Position Under Congressional Spotlight
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 14, 2025 — In a moment of qualified clarity amid growing concern over the spread of measles across the U.S., Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told members of Congress he would “probably” vaccinate a child for measles if he had one today.
The remark came during a budget hearing before the House Appropriations subcommittee, where Kennedy — long a controversial figure in vaccine discourse — faced questioning over his personal and professional views on immunization.
“My opinions on vaccines are irrelevant,” Kennedy said in response to Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who had asked whether he would vaccinate his own children for measles. “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.”
Still, Kennedy acknowledged that, in today’s climate, he’d likely support the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, though he resisted going further. “Probably, for measles,” he said.
A Reluctant Answer, A Broader Message
When Rep. Pocan pushed for a clearer stance, Kennedy responded cautiously, saying he didn’t want to “seem like [he’s] giving advice to other people.” Pocan countered that this was precisely his job, citing CDC guidance as central to the secretary’s responsibilities.
Kennedy then clarified that his team at HHS and the CDC would “lay out the pros and cons” for the public and that his goal is to empower Americans with balanced, evidence-based information rather than direct recommendations.
Other Vaccines? Not So Fast
Pressed further on whether he would vaccinate his children against chickenpox or polio, Kennedy dodged, stating again that he didn’t want to be seen as prescribing individual choices.
“In Europe, they don’t use the chickenpox vaccine,” he said, alluding to differing international standards.
This deflection continues a pattern for Kennedy, who has historically opposed broad vaccine mandates and frequently amplified vaccine misinformation in years past. His current tone, however, signals a shift — albeit a reluctant one — as measles cases surge and public scrutiny of his policies grows.
Alternative Measles Plan Raises Eyebrows
Earlier this month, Kennedy made headlines by directing the CDC to develop alternative treatments for measles, including repurposing existing drugs and incorporating vitamin regimens.
“The time has come to explore other modalities alongside prevention,” Kennedy said. But public health experts have warned this move could undermine confidence in proven vaccines, especially as outbreaks intensify.
Health Experts Respond
“There is no ‘other side’ to whether the MMR vaccine prevents measles. It does,” said Dr. Lisa Goldman, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics. “These remarks, while softer in tone, still reflect dangerous equivocation.”
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